Inclusive Finance and Entrepreneurship: ADA’s Impact on Empowering Africa’s Small and Growing Businesses

In emerging economies, small and growing businesses (SGBs) are vital drivers of economic growth. They account for over 50% of jobs and contribute 40% to GDP. Yet, despite their significance, many SGBs struggle to access the financial resources needed to scale.

Limited visibility to investors, inefficient capital markets, and the absence of targeted government strategies exacerbate these challenges. Additionally, many entrepreneurs lack essential business skills, further hindering their access to mainstream financial opportunities.

Bridging the Gap with Inclusive Finance

ADA, an ANDE member, is tackling these barriers by delivering tailored financial solutions and capacity-building support with a strong focus on young entrepreneurs. In 2023 alone, ADA:

• Helped 503 young entrepreneurs access financial services
• Offered savings products to 190 individuals
• Delivered capacity-building tools to 364 businesses
• Provided 260 businesses with entrepreneurial support through incubators and microfinance institutions
• Enabled 69 businesses to adopt digital accounting services
• Supported 39 young food sector entrepreneurs in improving operational practices

Through its commitment to inclusive finance and youth empowerment, ADA is ensuring that young entrepreneurs have the resources and skills to grow their businesses and drive economic progress in their communities.

ANDE’s Role in Advancing Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Africa

As a key ecosystem enabler, ANDE strengthens Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape by connecting stakeholders—Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs), Business Development Service (BDS) providers, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), investors, policymakers, and educational institutions—to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

This year, the ANDE Pan-African Conference in Dakar, Senegal, will serve as a crucial platform for shaping inclusive entrepreneurship strategies. Under the theme “Catalyzing the Future of Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Africa,” discussions will center on unlocking capital, strengthening capacity-building, and expanding financial inclusion for SGBs.

ADA’s Session: Data-Driven Solutions for SGB Financing

During the conference, ADA will lead a session titled “Harnessing the Power of Data for Inclusive SGB Financing.” This session will explore how data-driven insights can transform financial access for small businesses, offering practical solutions to bridge financing gaps and drive inclusive growth. Alongside other discussions at the conference, this session will contribute to building a more accessible and equitable financial ecosystem for SGBs across Africa.